Multi-walled structures for controlled environmental use

ABSTRACT

Multi-wall devices embodying two or more spaced members arranged to provide an enclosed space therebetween for controlling the transmission of energy through the members for the purpose of capturing, storing and releasing energy.

This invention is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.869,832, filed Jan. 16, 1978, and entitled MULTI=WALLED STRUCTURES FORCONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTAL USE now U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,208 issued Dec. 21,1982.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to objects embodying two or more spaced wallmembers which are intended to provide a controlled atmosphere or vacuumtherebetween for environmental purposes.

Since it is a continuing problem to control the temperature of theenvironment for housing animals, minerals, plants and products, a needexists for utilizing the existing temperature of the earth, atmosphereand even the body heat of animal life to maintain and preservetemperatures needed for life with only a minimum use, if any at all, ofcommercial fuels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Since the discovery of fire, its benefits have clouded any attempt toconceive of its benefits being furnished by any other means. We continueto seek materials and substances of the earth to provide these benefitswhile recent enlightenment indicates the ensuing depletion of thesenatural energies. We continue to extensively core-drill the earth'scrust seeking these sources.

The building trades over the centuries have strived to improve therigidity and space accommodations for convenient living and haveutilized insulation and atmospheric controlled space for controlling thetemperature variations between the interior and exterior of thebuildings. Any use of vacuum as an energy source for controlling theenvironment of buildings has been non-existent, or at least veryprimitive in its application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention claimed, a new and improved method ofcontrolling the transmission of energy through spaced walls is providedemploying the benefits of energy flow through atmospheric andbelow-atmospheric paths.

It is, therefore, one object of this invention to provide a new methodor process of maintaining a given environment around an object.

Another object of this invention is to provide containing surfaces for avacuum which employ a minimum of interconnecting members to reduceenergy flow through the vacuum containing surfaces.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel means forcontrolling the energy flow through the interconnecting members ofcontaining surfaces of a vacuum.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novelvacuum-enclosed building including portal means which uses thetemperature of the earth and sun to control its interior environment.

A still further object is to provide a novel building structure whichutilizes the properties of a vacuum and pressure to control its exterioratmosphere.

A still further object of this invention is to provide the properties ofa vacuum to position and maintain one wall of a vacuum containing memberrelative to the other for structural building purposes while reinforcingsaid other wall.

A still further object of this invention is to combine the inherentstructural geometrical characteristics of an object with the inherentstructural functions of a vacuum.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a structure tocontrol, capture, imprison and release energy by novel controllingmeans.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent asthe following description proceeds; and the features of novelty whichcharacterize this invention will be pointed out with particularity inthe claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be more readily described by reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a domical building showing a footingor foundation in dash lines and embodying the invention;

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of the portion shown in the circle 1A ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the portion embodying a valving meansshown in the circle 1B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1C is an end view of the valving means shown in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic illustration of a modification of the valvingmeans shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a polyhedron embodying a modification ofstructure shown in FIG. 1 and embodying the invention;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of the encircled portion 2A shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further modification of apanel structure embodying the invention for use in a side-by-side panelconfiguration;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further modification of apanel structure for use in a side-by-side wall configuration;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a further modificationof the building configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a suitable coupling for use inevacuating the space between the panel structures shown in FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a further modification of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2illustrating a cylindrical storage container having a controllableatmosphere between its closely positioned walls;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 taken along the line 8--8;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the parts for the structure shown in FIG.10 which form an elongated pipeline in a controlled environment forminganother embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the parts shown in FIG. 9 inassembled relationship;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of thisinvention utilizing a pressurized column for supporting a materialtransporting conduit in a controllable atmosphere wherein the othersurface may be transparent and the outer surface of the inner tubularsurface a heat absorbing color;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 taken along the line11--11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a windshieldand top of an automobile illustrating a further embodiment of thisinvention employing a controlled atmosphere between its juxtapositionedroof and window panes; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 taken along the line13--13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring more particularly to the drawings by characters of reference,FIG. 1 discloses a cross-sectional view of a domical structure 10mounted at ground level 11 on a foundation or footing 11A which extendsinto the ground far enough to serve as a temperature barrier, ashereinafter explained. The domical structure is formed by a pair ofspaced enclosing first and second juxtopositioned wall members 12, 12Arespectively, which form the walls, floor and roof of the building.

A pair of valving and/or partitioning means 13, 13A may be used tocontrol the atmosphere in the space 14 between the members 12, 12Aforming the floor of the building, if so desired. The members 12, 12Aforming the walls of the domical structure enclosing a first space 12Calso define a second space 14A therebetween which controls theatmosphere in the building, as later explained.

It should be recognized that the efficiency of an evacuated space is dueto the vacuum between the members defining the space. In a panelstructure for building, storage or other purposes, the panels must bemaintained in a spaced position by suitable struts between the closelypositioned walls defining the panel structure. Each strut or separatingmeans, however, forms a conducting path for the flow of energy, i.e.heat, cold, or the like from one wall member, such as wall member 12, tothe other wall member, such as wall member 12A, and vice versa acrossthe space 14 and 14A.

Accordingly, the number of spacers and their design configurationsshould be so designed to limit and control the number of such paths andthe size thereof to control the energy flow therealong. The A-shapedconfiguration of strut 15 of FIGS. 1 and 1A provides a strong supportfor the closely positioned wall while limiting the energy flow paths 15Aand 15B between the wall members 12 and 12A. It should be noted thatpaths 15A and 15B only make one contact with the outside surface of wallmember 12A at point 15C and two contacts with the inside surface of wallmember 12 at points 15D and 15E which may be the base of the V-shapedstrut configuration.

FIGS. 1B and 1C disclose an enlargement and end view, respectively, ofthe valving and/or partitioning means 13A which can be actuated toisolate the space 14 between the floor members 12 and 12A from the space14A between the walls formed by members 12 and 12A.

FIG. 1D illustrates a further modification of the valving means shown inFIGS. 1B and 1C, wherein a toggle linkage 13F may be resiliently mountedin a boot comprising collars 13G and 13H supported by a floor or wallmember 12J which opens and closes a pair of clapper valves 13D and 13Einterconnected by a tie rod 13J. The clapper valves are hingedly mountedon an extension of a juxtapositioned wall or floor member 12K.

FIGS. 2 and 2A illustrate a polyhedron-type structure 10A, the first andsecond inner and outer walls 12C and 12D enclose a first space 12E anddefine therebetween a second space 14B which may be evacuated asdisclosed through a suitable valving means 18F under the description ofFIG. 1. In this instance, the walls may be held apart in a predeterminedmanner by a strut 16 formed by a pair of magnets 16A and 16B having likepoles facing each other with their other poles secured to thejuxtapositioned surfaces of wall members 12C and 12D, as more clearlyshown in FIG. 2A. A portal P is shown for ingress and egress purposes.

FIG. 3 illustrates a modification of the wall members wherein the panelsections comprise closely positioned first and second wall members 12Eand 12F which may be conformed to provide arcuate or hemisphericalconfigurations 17, the ends 18 of the arcuate configurations formingabutting leg points separating the wall members and forming between thewall members openings 14C which may be evacuated by the valvingstructure 18F.

FIG. 4 discloses a further modification of the panel structures shown inFIGS. 1-3 wherein the first and second wall members 12G and 12H may beseparated by struts 17 to define a second space 14C therebetween whichmay be evacuated by a suitable valving arrangement. The struts 17comprise a composite member formed of two spaced-apart members 17A and17B separated by a suitable insulator 17C.

FIG. 5 illustrates a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of two arcuateintersecting members employing spaced-apart first and second panels 18'and 18A enclosing a first space 18 and having an evacuated space 14Dtherebetween. These members may comprise a relatively rigid outer member18' and a pliable inner member 18A, so that when a vacuum is drawn inthe space 14D, the inner member will expand toward member 18' and beheld there by its common anchor point 18D with member 18 where both arepositioned on a plane 18E.

The valving structure 18F is provided to extend through one of the sidemembers, and as shown in FIG. 1, extends through side member 12A. Thisconnector is used to interconnect the interior 14A and 14, depending onthe position of valve means 13A of domical structure 10 with suitablevacuum or pressure generating means (not shown) for use in controllingthe ambient contents in space 14 and 14A. It also should be noted that aportal p shown in FIG. 2 is provided for egress and ingress, whichportal maintains a vacuum-tight arrangement with the building wallinterior space.

As shown in FIG. 6, the valving structure may comprise a valve employinga cylindrical sleeve 19 threaded along its outer periphery for receivingat one end 20 a connector (not shown) for connecting it to a vacuum orpressure generating means and at its other end 21 for receiving asuitable nut 22. Mounted within the cylindrical sleeve 19 is a valve 23provided with a port 24 forming a valve seat 25 at one end for receivinga ball 26 forming the valve.

When the valving structure 18F is mounted on side member 11 of domicalstructure 10 or any of the enclosures disclosed in the assembledrelationship shown in FIG. 6 in combination with suitable washers 26, avacuum may be drawn on end 20 of the connector which will draw ball 26from valve seat 25, permitting the ambient content in space 14 to beevacuated. When the vacuum generating means is discontinued, ball 26will seat itself, thereby maintaining the vacuum condition in space 15,as is well known in the trade.

If more than one panel structure is interconnected in a manner toprovide an airtight seal therebetween, a valving structure 18F may beused in a number of panels. It should be recognized that the end panelsof any array of panels may be interconnected by ducts suitably sealed tomaintain controlled atmospheric conditions in their space 14. Thus, abuilding can be assembled wherein the walls, ceiling and floor formed ofsuch or similarly constructed panels will control the atmosphere withinthe building. By controlling the heat loss from the interior of thebuilding, the temperature of the occupants of the building will helpmaintain the temperature therein necessary for survival. Further, thevacuum or atmospheric condition between the side members of thestructures will eliminate or greatly reduce the effects of temperaturefrom the outside of the building on the occupants inside of thebuilding.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a modification of structures shown in FIGS. 1-5wherein a controlled atmosphere is maintained within a cylindricalcontainer 40 for aiding in processing its contents. The cylindricalcontainer comprises two coaxially arranged containers 41 and 42 spacedfrom each other to provide a space 43 therebetween for containing acontrolled atmosphere. The containers 41 and 42 are interconnected andheld in spaced relationship at their tops by a flange 44. A suitablecover 45 is provided for fitting over containers 41 and 42 in a sealingarrangement and may comprise a double wall structure having first andsecond wall members 46 and 47 spaced from each other to provide a space48 therebetween. Space 48 may be interconnected with space 43 betweenthe containers 41 and 42 by a suitable duct 49 extending through flange44 and wall member 47 of cover 45.

If cylindrical container 40 is built in the form of a silo, the innerstorage compartment 42' inside of container 42 may be provided with asuitable drainage port 50 connecting the interior of container 42through the space 43 between containers 41 and 42 with the outsideworld. This drainage port may comprise one or more valves 51 having asluice gate 52 or other suitable control means.

As shown, one or more valving structures 18F may be used to connect thespaces within or between containers 41 and 42 to a vacuum means forcontrolling the atmospheric condition therein.

FIGS. 9 and 10 disclose a further modification of the structures shownin FIGS. 1-8 wherein an elongated conduit 55 is shown comprising anouter shell 56 comprising two interlocking semi-cylindrical parts 56Aand 56B (one or both of which may be transparent) which may form anextended conduit or part thereof of a suitable length housing axiallytherein a second conduit 57. Conduit 57 may be formed of twointerlocking semi-cylindrical parts 57A and 57B having flanges 60 and60', respectively, which engage and interlock to form the cylindricalpipe or conveyance means called conduit 57. Conduit 57 may be an opaquecolor such as black, for example, which absorbs the solar rays of thesun which are transmitted through the outer conduit 56.

The conduit 57 is held in spaced arrangement with the inside peripheryof shell 56 by a V-shaped bracket 58 extending along the length ofconduit 57, as shown in FIGS. 9. This V-shaped bracket is provided withinturned flanges 58' at the ends of its legs which interlock with theflanges 60 and 60' on cylindrical parts 57A and 57B of conduit 57 toprovide an integral structure defining a space 59 between conduit 57 andthe inside periphery of V-shaped bracket 58. The V-shaped bracket 58 issuitably supported in shell 56 periodically along its length.

It should also be recognized that the interior 57' of conduit 57 may beused to transport gas or liquid products within shell 56. Further, theinterior 56' of shell 56 may be evacuated to a suitable degree tomaintain the temperature of the product moving through conduit 57 or toheat it by the rays of the sun, as explained above. Further, the spacewithin the V-shaped bracket may be used to direct hot or cold gas orliquids to conduit 57 and also in maintaining and removing thetemperature of the product moving through conduit 57.

FIGS. 11 and 12 disclose a further embodiment of the type of structureshown in FIGS. 9 and 10 wherein an elongated conveyor 61 in the form ofa pipeline comprises an outer shell 62 which may be at least partiallytransparent and an inner shell 63 which may be of a dark color, i.e.opaque for absorbing solar rays, as explained above. As shown, thesupporting legs 65 may form hollow conduits for interconnecting theinterior of shell 62 with vacuum or pressure through connector 18" andports 67. Protrusion 64 may also be connected with a vacuum or pressuregenerating means through valving structures 18" and port 68 or any othersimilar valving arrangement. It should be noted that an access door 66is shown in FIG. 11 for gaining access to the inside of conveyor 61;however, conveyor 61 may comprise at least in a part of its length twosemi-circular interconnected parts 61A and 61B which may be disassembledto gain access to its interior. Further, although valving structures 18"are shown in the supporting legs of the conveyor, they may be assembledin the outer surfaces of shells 61 and 62, if so desired.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a still further embodiment of this inventionwherein the principle of providing a closed controlled atmospherebetween juxtapositioned surfaces of a wall or container is employedbetween the windows and the walls of a vehicle such as an automobileheld apart by studs 15 of the type and for the same reasons as shown anddescribed in the discussion of FIGS. 1 and 1A.

FIG. 13 discloses a partial view of an automobile 70 wherein the autoconstruction as well as its windows, shell body and flooring comprisesjuxtapositioned members in spaced relationship, providing a spacetherebetween which may be vacuum controlled in the manner heretoforedisclosed for controlling the temperature in the vehicle.

As shown, the windshield 71 comprises a pair of spaced glass panes 72and 73 separated to provide a space 74 therebetween which may beevacuated through a suitable valving arrangement such as valvingstructure 18F heretofore described. The roof, sides and floor of thevehicle may be similarly constructed to form a body structure, theinterior passenger compartment of which may be controlled.

As disclosed above, the desirable properties of a vacuum are not limitedto the geometrical shapes of the objects in which it is confined. Avacuum provides by its unique characteristics structural bonds,insulation means, sound-proofing, preservation of the containingproducts, sterilization features, inter alia. These benefits aremodified and proportional to the elevation, temperature and volume ofthe confining object. However, this invention is intended to provide abroad application of the use of geometrical shapes which espouses vacuumenergy.

This invention teaches the control of the properties of the vacuum spaceby controlling one of the characteristics of the vacuum, therebycompensating for these variables when utilizing a vacuum space forenvironmental purposes.

It is also obvious that vacuum properties as a structural bond woulddiminish at higher elevations and its insulating properties wouldincrease. Therefore, at any given elevation at any given temperature,the vacuum torr may remain constant by changing the volume of thecontainer. When the volume remains constant, such as in a controlledvacuum space, a change in temperature of the space will adversely affectits properties as an insulating means.

As further noted, the space in structures such as that shown in FIG. 1may be controlled by controlling the vacuum in the common space 14 and14A. If it is desired to utilize the heat of the atmosphere around thebuilding, the torr in the space 14, 14A may be decreased to atmosphericpressure or above so that the energy of the atmosphere (temperature) maybe passed through space 14, 14A through the conductive characteristicsof medium (ambient contents) in this space. To insulate the interiorspace of the domical structure 10, a vacuum in this space is created.

It should be noted that the space between the floor members of thebuilding when valve means 13A are open forms an insulating and/orconducting medium around the enclosure of this domical structure.

If it is desirable to heat the building from the earth and at the sametime insulate the interior of the building from the temperature of theatmosphere, valve means 13A are closed and the space 14 is opened toatmosphere or to condensed ambient contents, thereby rendering the spacebetween the floor members conductive. Thus, the heat of the earth onwhich the floor rests is conducted through the floor to heat itsinterior.

To isolate the interior of the building from the heat of the earth onwhich it rests, the space 14 is evacuated and valving members spacedapart.

This invention is directed to suitably shaped panels conformed to definean enclosed space wherein the vacuum and temperature of the space may bemonitored and controlled periodically. The materials of the walls of theobject may be rigid and/or pliable, as discussed under FIG. 5, so thatthey can expand or contract with the condition of the vacuum spacetherebetween. The contraction or expansion of one or more of the wallscan aid in controlling the torr of the vacuum space. In fact, one of thewalls may be moveable to increase the vacuum condition between the wallsby its movement. Accordingly, the temperature of the surroundingatmosphere can be used to control and regulate the atmospheric conditionof the vacuum space.

Although but a few embodiments of the invention have been illustratedand described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious changes and modifications may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-walled object comprising:first and secondjuxapositioned wall members, the first wall member positioned within thesecond wall member and enclosing a first space, means for enclosing asecond space between said wall members, strut means mounted within saidsecond space to extend between said wall members at spaced positions forsupporting the wall members, said strut means comprising V-shapedconfigurations formed to control the flow of energy between the membersand having its base engaging one wall member and its apex engaging theother wall member, valve means associated with one of said wall membersand operable for periodically controlling the molecular count in saidsecond between said wall members, and portal means extending throughsaid wall members for ingress and egress into said first space, thefirst wall member comprising the floor, walls and ceiling for said firstspace for multi-purpose uses, said second space is formed into third andfourth isolatable spaces, the third space being formed between portionsof said wall members forming the walls and ceiling of the object and thefourth space being formed between the portions of said wall membersforming the floor of said object, said valve means being positionedbetween said third and fourth spaces to selectively isolate said thirdand fourth spaces, one from the other, and interconnecting them forcontrolling the molecular count in the third space.
 2. The multi-walledobject set forth in claim 1 wherein:the torr of said third space iscontrollable different from the torr of said fourth space.
 3. Themutli-walled object set forth in claim 1 wherein:said wall members forma domical configuration.
 4. The multi-walled object set forth in claim 1wherein:said wall members form a polyhedron configuration.
 5. Themulti-walled object set forth in claim 1 wherein:said wall members forma cylindrical configuration.
 6. The multi-wall object set forth in claim1 wherein:said first member is formed of a pliable material.